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Here you'll learn all about me: my interests and hobbies, the people in my family, my pets, and more. I've even included a
list of my favorite links to other sites.
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is the name of the upcoming release of Microsoft Windows, a line of graphical operating systems
used on personal computers, including home and business desktops, notebook computers, and media centers. Prior to the announcement
of the Vista name on July 22, 2005, it was known by its codename Longhorn. As of November 2006, Windows Vista is getting ready
for release to manufacturing; Microsoft has stated that the scheduled release dates are currently November 30, 2006 for volume
license customers. Worldwide availability is expected to be on 2007 January 30.These release dates come more than five years
after the release of Windows XP, Microsoft's current consumer and business operating system, making it the longest time span
between major releases of Windows.
According to Microsoft,Windows Vista contains hundreds of new features, some of the most significant of which include an updated
graphical user interface and visual style dubbed Windows Aero, improved searching features, new multimedia creation tools
such as Windows DVD Maker, and completely redesigned networking, audio, print, and display sub-systems. Vista also aims to
increase the level of communication between machines on a home network using peer-to-peer technology, making it easier to
share files and digital media between computers and devices. For developers, Vista introduces version 3.0 of the .NET Framework,
which aims to make it significantly easier for developers to write high-quality applications than with the traditional Windows
API.
Microsoft's primary stated goal with Vista, however, has been to improve the state of security in the Windows operating system.
One of the most prevalent common criticisms of Windows XP and its predecessors are their commonly exploited security vulnerabilities
and overall susceptibility to malware, viruses and buffer overflows. In light of this, then Microsoft chairman Bill Gates
announced in early 2002 a company-wide 'Trustworthy Computing initiative' which aims to incorporate security work into every
aspect of software development at the company. Microsoft claimed it prioritized improving the security of Windows XP and Windows
Server 2003 above finishing Windows Vista, significantly delaying its completion.
During the course of its development, Vista has been the target of a number of negative assessments by various groups. Criticism
of Windows Vista has included protracted development time, more restrictive licensing terms, the inclusion of a number of
new Digital Rights Management technologies aimed at restricting the copying of protected digital media, and the usability
of new features such as User Account Control.
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